Orange Trumpet Vine Plant Care

Orange Trumpet Vine (Wightia speciosissima) belongs to the Paulowniaceae family within the Wightia genus. Orange Trumpet Vine is native to South Asia and South East Asia, from Nepal and India to Thailand, Vietnam and China's Yunnan Province, at altitudes below 2,500 m (8,200 ft). Orange Trumpet Vine is also known as Chinese Trumpet Vine, Flame Vine.

Orange Trumpet Vine displays a fast-growing tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Orange Trumpet Vine produces showy clusters of lavender to purple trumpet-shaped flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Orange Trumpet Vine every 4–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Orange Trumpet Vine thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Wightia speciosissima tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Orange Trumpet Vine prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Orange Trumpet Vine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Orange Trumpet Vine every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Orange Trumpet Vine is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Orange Trumpet Vine can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Orange Trumpet Vine while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Orange Trumpet Vine is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Orange Trumpet Vine can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Orange Trumpet Vine is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Orange Trumpet Vine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Orange Trumpet Vine is native to South Asia and South East Asia, from Nepal and India to Thailand, Vietnam and China's Yunnan Province, at altitudes below 2,500 m (8,200 ft). In cooler regions, grow Orange Trumpet Vine as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.